Mayor Kevin Johnson, shown speaking at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January, is pledging that a committee looking at a city ethics code will finish its work soon.
Manuel Balce Ceneta
Associated Press file

Mayor Kevin Johnson, shown speaking at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January, is pledging that a committee looking at a city ethics code will finish its work soon.
Manuel Balce Ceneta
Associated Press file

Pick up the pace on Sacramento’s ethics reform

By the Editorial Board

August 10, 2015 05:00 PM

UPDATED August 11, 2015 11:15 AM

If good-government reforms get moving at Sacramento City Hall because of the sordid allegations of sexual harassment against two elected officials, one good thing will have emerged from that regrettable episode.

Mayor Kevin Johnson, the subject of one of those claims, declared Thursday night that he wants a City Council committee to wrap up its work on an ethics code soon. “That’s a hot topic for all of us, and we want to make sure we finish what we started,” he said.

He also said that Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby will “take the lead” during the “final stretch.” Johnson didn’t say why she’s taking over from the committee’s chairman, Vice Mayor Allen Warren. But Warren is facing the other harassment claim; it’s clear he’s compromised.

Reform advocates are seeking stricter standards than state law on conflict of interest, use of public resources, financial disclosure and registration of lobbyists. They’re also seeking an independent commission to draw council districts. They point out that Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and other larger California cities already have ethics commissions to hold government officials accountable.

These are all ideas worth pursuing. Council members need to get to it.